Good morning, church family! Despite the stormy weather here in Hawaii, we are grateful to gather together, both in person and online. Today we had communion, led by Nate, delved into a profound question: "What would you do if you had one day left to live?" This question led us to reflect on Jesus' actions during His last day and how we can apply His example to our lives.
Reflecting on Jesus' Last Day
When faced with the knowledge of His impending death, Jesus chose to serve others by washing His disciples' feet. This act of humility and service stands in stark contrast to what many of us might do if we knew our time was limited. Instead of seeking personal gratification, Jesus demonstrated the importance of serving others and living a life of humility.
Communion: A Reminder of Jesus' Sacrifice
As we reflected on the significance of communion we recognized that Jesus shared bread and wine with His disciples, symbolizing His body and blood, and instructed them to do this in remembrance of Him. This act is not just a ritual but a profound reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant between God and His people.
Common Reasons People Say "Church Didn't Work for Me"
Pastor Zach addressed common reasons why people feel that church doesn't work for them:
- Churches Only Want Your Money: This perception can deter people from engaging with the church community.
- Churches Are Full of Hypocrites: The presence of imperfect people can lead to disillusionment.
- Hurt by the Pastor or Church Members: Personal hurts can create barriers to spiritual growth.
Spiritual Growth: A Different Perspective
To grow spiritually, we need to approach our faith with intentionality, much like physical fitness. Pastor Zach drew parallels between physical and spiritual health, emphasizing the importance of setting goals, proper nourishment, varied exercise, and rest.
Setting Spiritual Goals
Just as vague or unrealistic goals can hinder physical fitness, the same applies to our spiritual lives. Setting specific, achievable spiritual goals helps us grow in our faith. Whether it's reading the Bible more regularly, praying daily, or serving others, having clear goals can guide our spiritual journey.
Spiritual Nourishment
Our spiritual diet is crucial. Are we feeding ourselves with the Word of God and other spiritual resources? Just as a poor diet can hinder physical health, neglecting spiritual nourishment can stunt our spiritual growth.
Varied Spiritual Exercises
Repetition can lead to boredom and stagnation. Trying new ways to engage with our faith, such as different Bible translations, new prayer practices, or joining a small group, can invigorate our spiritual lives.
Rest and Enjoyment
Rest is essential for both physical and spiritual health. Taking time to rest and enjoy God's presence allows us to recharge and grow. Observing a Sabbath or setting aside time each week for spiritual rest can make a significant difference.
Life Application
Applying Jesus' Example
Jesus' example of humility and service challenges us to live selflessly. This week, consider how you can serve others in your daily life. Reflect on these questions:
1. What are my spiritual goals, and how can I work towards them?
2. Am I getting enough spiritual nourishment? How can I improve my spiritual diet?
3. Is my spiritual routine varied and engaging? What new practices can I try?
4. Am I taking time to rest and enjoy God's presence each week?
Challenge for the Week
This week, challenge yourself to take one step towards spiritual growth. Whether it's setting a new spiritual goal, trying a new way to engage with your faith, or dedicating time for rest, make a conscious effort to grow closer to God.
Conclusion
As we navigate our spiritual journeys, let us remember that growth requires intentionality. By setting goals, nourishing our spirits, varying our spiritual exercises, and taking time to rest, we can deepen our relationship with God and live out our faith more fully. Let’s take these steps together as a church family, supporting and encouraging one another along the way.
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